Identify the “few cornerstone elements” for the commander.
“This roster has a few key players, in my opinion. I think there is a lot of work ahead of us.
Asking Adam Peters, the new Commander General Manager, what he thought of the Washington roster right now was his response.
Therefore, in Peters’ opinion, who are the “few cornerstone pieces”?
Sam Howell led the NFL in sacks taken and interceptions thrown last season, so it would have been fantastic if he had grown into a more capable offensive player.
Brian Robinson finished with 1101 yards from scrimmage, including 733 running yards and 368 receiving yards. Robinson, though, is a running back. Therefore, Peters might decide against giving Robinson a second deal, but that will be resolved in a few seasons.
Terry McLaurin’s achievement of 1,000 yards receiving for the fourth straight season garnered a lot of attention. Honestly, wasn’t this overhyped? The rules and the way they are enforced in the modern NFL greatly favor the offense over the defense. Thus, the game today involves more passing. The NFL regular season now consists of 17 games, in addition. He leads the squad and is a fine, diligent player. However, it would be difficult to convince us that McLaurin is a superior wide receiver. However, his contract might prevent him from being traded by other teams. Is he truly deserving of his 2024 $24,100,000 cap hit?
Right guard Sam Cosmi remains the sole true offensive cornerstone that the commanders need to build upon. Cosmi will only have a $2,108,135 cap hit in 2024. Peters will want to resign Cosmi to that second contract because 2024 is his last year under contract.
Although they did falter a bit this past season, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne have been the Commanders’ strong and spirited inside defensive tandem. In 2025, the cap hits for Allen and Payne will be $23,000,000 and $26,170,000, respectively. Washington selected Allen and Payne in the first round in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Peters might want to move one or both of them this offseason if he wants to get the most return on his investment.
Darrick Forrest and Kam Curl, two young players who have demonstrated toughness, are players Peters may choose to stick with. But since Curl is a free agent, he might wish to test the open market. Quan Martin, a second-round selection who showed glimpses of brilliance in the season’s last games, rounds out the trio.
There are three more offensive players that could be valuable future additions. When running the ball and on special teams, Chris Rodriguez showed true toughness. Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson each have their moments when they seem like they truly belong. But since Samuel is a free agent, Peters might decide against offering him a third deal.
Due to an Achilles tendon tear, the tight end with the most athleticism was sidelined for the full season. Although it is unlikely that they will get Logan Thomas back, Armani Rogers is an athlete they will want to retain.
Peters “had a lot of work to do,” and he was 100% correct.
